Best GPU for HTPC 2024
A dedicated GPU for a dedicated home theater PC
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It can be challenging to select the optimal GPU for your HTPC (home theater PC) because there are numerous variables to consider, like the kind of video you’ll stream and if you’ll play on your system.
Today’s market offers a wide variety of graphics cards, making it occasionally difficult to decide which one to buy.
Best GPU for HTPC
To stream Netflix in 4K, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB is your best choice. Even though it is already over six years old, this card is still functional if you want an HTPC for streaming video.
ASUS ROG STRIX GTX 1050 Ti GAMING OC
Clock Speed
1392MHz Base, 1506MHz Boost
CUDA Cores
768
Memory Size
4GB GDDR5
Dimensions
241mm x 129mm x 40mm
PSU Required
300W
The GTX 1050 Ti has the benefit of not requiring any external power. This means that if you are upgrading your present system, you do not need to update or upgrade your power supply.
Second best GPU for HTPC
If you want to stream 1080p or 4K HEVC without utilizing Netflix, the Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 is a suitable substitute for the 1050 Ti.
EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5
Clock Speed
1290MHz – 1544MHz
VRAM
2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus Width
64 bit
It effortlessly supports 4K YouTube HDR and many other common codecs.
Utilizing the GT 1030 is cost-effective because it uses relatively little power, the same as the 1050 Ti. It is compatible with the majority of the current systems and does not need an external power connector.
Third best GPU for HTPC
If you don’t want to purchase an Nvidia card, the Radeon RX 550 is a fantastic substitute. It supports 1080p streaming without any issues and supports 4K local HDR.
PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB
Clock Speed
1183 MHz
Graphics RAM Size
4GB
Video Output Interface
DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI
Low-profile variants are also available for this card to minimize interference from compact HTPC chassis. It does not require external power, just like the earlier cards.
Fourth best GPU for HTPC
Streaming 4K content at 120 frames per second is made possible by the AMD Radeon RX 6400. From a financial perspective, you could get this card for about $150 and be all set.
Sapphire PULSE RX 6400
Core Clock Speed
1923 MHz base, 2039 MHz game, 2321 MHz boost
Stream Processors
768
Memory Size
4 GB GDDR6
Dimensions
170 x 56.2 x 17.2 mm
PSU Required
250 W
Fifth best GPU for HTPC
One of Intel’s most recent offerings in the graphics card market is the Intel Arc A310, which was recently introduced. It is by no means a powerhouse, but it is a legitimate competitor in the HTPC industry.
The aforementioned cards are incapable of decoding AV1. The Arc A310, on the other hand, does, so if you’re looking for a new HTPC graphics card with AV1 decoding, look no further. The A310 supports 4K and full HD video streaming in addition to AV1 decoding.
